Saint Mary's beacon. [volume] (Leonard Town, Md.) 1867-1983, 1887-06-30

A1c SiasSS VI Tue AauSfs are sC1t-
tered. Some are inferred at Drum
Cliffs, but no one knows where rest,
the father Of Msryland's purest son
Rnger Brook Taney, for though sup.
posed to be buried at or near Battle
Creek. he, fugitive from Justice
found a grave in foreign land. A
man of violent passions, his home wa,
made wreiched ty his insane jealousy
OF " pure and lovely wife, whom fol
years he kept as prisoner in her room
Death mercifully released her from
her lies martyrdom. and Taney then
wooed the belle Of the county, beau
tiful girl who was betrothed to s
wealthy young planter. Having q
love of freedom and fresh air, the
young lady rejected with disiain the
offer of her elderly suitor. A few
weeks later Taney gave a breakfast tc
the neighboring gentlemen. his sue
cesful rival being among the number
invited.
Battle Creek, a quaint old house
faces the Patuxent, and it was on the
lawn, in view Of the dancing waters
that the tables were spread. Unde,
the blOssom-ladened boughs of the
locust-trees the red wine was quaffed
and merry jests went around, though
many noticed the hosts brow was
gloomy and his mirth forced. A
guest, raising his glass, called for a
toast-"health, happiness to the fortu.
nate lover and his fair fancee." There
was but one who left his glass un.
drained, and that was Taney, who,
as the young planter arose to acknowl-
edge the compliment, cleared the
table at bound, and buried his dag.
ger to its hilt in his breast.
The body Of the unfortunate youth
was borne into the house and placed
in an upper chamber. For years after
there was to be seen along the old
h.ll aud stairway the dark stains oi
blood, silent witness of that fearful
tragedy.
Though eagerly sought for by the
family of the murdered man, who
were unceasing in their efforts 10 dis.
cover his Liding place, Taney effected
his escape, and within less than a year
the tidings came that he had died
abroad ana that his remains were tc
be brought home for interment. His
funeral WIS conducted with pomp
but cne Of the pail bearers CHANGING
to remark in the presence of relative
of Taneys victim, upon the great
weight Of the coffin, suspicion wa;
aroused. That night the grave wa:
violated, the lid of the coffin removed
and the coffin found to contain heavy
stones. held in place by pillows.
I Local tradition claims that in the
Mission Church of st. Joseph, tn,
waters Of Baptism were poured upor
the brows of the successor of Arch
bishop Carroll, Leonard Neale, anC
his brother Henry, and at the humbl,
altar in this little chapel they receive,
their First Communions. Col. Henr,
Neale, of Hillylea, at the outbreak O
tn revolution. equipped regimen
at his own expense and led it gallantlv
throughout the war. returning at tn
close of it to his home, which at hi
death was Inherited by his son Robert
The log church, proving too small 70
the rapidly increasing congregation
another was built within the cemeter
inclosure.
Scarcely was it finished ere it wa
seized upon by Thomas Ataway Reed
er, a Protestant gentleman, VIII
claimed that under former grant th
v-vO faua Was vested III hin
In spite of the fact that his wife Wa
Catholic, this wealthy land owne
obtaining Possession of the buildin,
used 1t for tobacco barn, but prot
ably wearied by the opportunities {
his French spouse, who, if ancier
gossip does not malign her, was n
patient Griselda," he finally DECIDE
the land to its rightful owners, th
Jesuits.
! In short time the palmiest day
of the mission dawned, and as on
listens to the recital of its bygon
glories, it requires but little imagins
too TO paint the picture. The ol
brick church, shaded by giant oak,
and environed by alleys of murnul
ing cedars, bathed in the glory of a
early summers day. which touchin
the tree tops, fingers lovingly owe
the white tombs that stand like sent
nels pleading for prayers for :hos
who rest beneath. The doors ar
open wide; song birds futter abou
the IonC narrou win3ows and thar